Articles tagged with Human Fertilization
A new Cochrane review has found that emergency contraception containing mifepristone is more effective than other common methods, such as levonorgestrel, with fewer side effects. Mifepristone also showed a lower risk of nausea and vomiting compared to other methods, but a higher likelihood of delayed menstruation.
A study found that fertility tests, particularly anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) tests, are not accurate in predicting a woman's reproductive potential. Researchers found that many women and clinicians misunderstand the results, leading to psychological impact and misinformed decisions.
A new study by Adelaide University researchers found that higher cumulative doses of clomiphene citrate increase the risk of miscarriage and twinning, but do not improve live birth rates. The study analysed over 21,000 embryo transfer cycles and found a dose-response relationship between cumulative doses and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers found that treating women with Lactobacillus gasseri supplements or postbiotics improved fertility among those over 35. The study showed higher endometrial abundance of Lactobacillus bacteria in pregnant women, suggesting a beneficial effect on uterine health.
A new Cochrane review analyzed 11 studies involving 2,524 women undergoing embryo transfer, finding no reliable evidence that preparatory techniques improve IVF success rates. The techniques examined included straightening the utero-cervical angle and removing cervical mucus before transfer.
Researchers analyzed 18,396 women undergoing first IVF cycle between 2012-2021 across seven Australian fertility clinics. The study found a 68.2% cumulative live birth rate using single embryo transfer in 95.3% of cases and a multiple birth rate of just 2.9%.
According to the European IVF Monitoring Consortium, over 1.15 million fertility treatment cycles were reported across Europe in 2023, resulting in the birth of 247,021 children. The growth in frozen embryo transfer (FET) was particularly notable, with FET cycles increasing by 151% compared to previous years.
A new Europe-wide survey found broad public support for fertility treatment and reproductive research in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. The study suggests that public understanding and opinion on these topics continue to develop, with areas where public views are not yet settled identified.
Researchers developed an AI-driven wearable skin sensor patch to track reproductive hormones and detect hidden endocrine dysfunction, which can improve conception. The study found that men with normal testosterone levels may still have disrupted hormone rhythms associated with reproductive dysfunction.
An international analysis found that intrauterine administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) before embryo transfer does not increase pregnancy or live birth rates. The study urges patients and clinicians to rethink the commonly offered IVF add-on, citing concerns about unreliable trial data.
The University of Cincinnati has opened a zebrafish research facility to investigate the effects of environmental contaminants on human fertility. The lab will use zebrafish as a model organism to understand molecular mechanisms behind reproductive biology and infertility.
Researchers found that simulated microgravity reduces the number of human sperm able to navigate through channels like the reproductive tract. Progesterone helps overcome this effect.
A large Australian study of over 417,000 women found that fertility treatments were not linked to higher overall cancer rates, but some cancers were slightly more common, while others were less common. Women who received fertility treatment were more likely to develop uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as melanoma, but the overall ris...
Researchers found that an approved antifibrotic drug, finerenone, can reduce ovarian fibrosis and promote follicle growth in women with premature ovarian insufficiency. Clinical trials showed that finerenone improved follicle development and mature oocyte quality in women with POI.
The lack of widely accepted standards for managing reproductive health risks in space is a pressing concern. Limited reliable data from human studies shows that space can be hostile to human biology, with conditions like altered gravity, cosmic radiation, and circadian disruption affecting reproductive processes.
A study found that TRAP laws increase maternal morbidity among fertility care patients, while states without such laws have better health outcomes. The study suggests a significant association between TRAP laws and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A team of scientists at the University of Seville identified a key process protecting DNA integrity in reproductive cells, preventing genetic defects during egg formation. The study found that phosphorylation acts as a 'switch' against DNA damage, allowing the genome to repair itself properly during meiosis.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified the precise location where human chromosomes break and recombine to form Robertsonian chromosomes. The study reveals that repetitive DNA sequences play a central role in genome organization and evolution, explaining how these rearrangements form and remain stable.
Scientists have achieved a major breakthrough by 3D bioprinting miniature placentas, which can accurately replicate the human placenta. This technology has the potential to transform pregnancy research by allowing for the study of serious complications like preeclampsia.
Researchers from The University of Osaka identify CFAP91 and EFCAB5 as crucial proteins for sperm motility. Loss of function in either protein reduces male fertility in mice. Understanding these proteins' functions may help diagnose infertility and develop new treatments.
Researchers developed a technique to study embryonic implantation in mice by keeping mouse uterine tissue alive outside the body. The method showed over 90% efficacy for implantation and provided insights into the maternal-embryonic signaling process.
Researchers at Rice University developed a mathematical model that sheds light on ovarian aging and menopause timing. The study reveals synchronized and predictable patterns of follicle depletion, accelerating during midlife, which helps explain why menopause typically occurs at similar ages for most women.
Researchers at Wyss Institute develop in vitro method to induce meiosis in human cells, enabling replication of critical step in egg and sperm cell development. The breakthrough could lead to modeling defects and creating healthy gametes for individuals with infertility.
Pregnancy rates remained stable for IVF and IUI cycles in 2022, while single embryo transfer usage increased. Clinical pregnancy rates were stable, with singleton delivery rates improving to 91.5%. The use of ART rose by 15.6% despite a slight decline in total treatment cycles.
A new international study reveals that male partners over 45 carry significantly increased miscarriage risks and lower live birth rates even when young donor eggs are used. The study found that older paternal age is linked to genetic mutations, sperm DNA fragmentation, and epigenetic changes, impairing embryo development.
A recent study published in Heredity investigated whether female odour-based mating preferences can predict gamete-level compatibility in humans. Women preferred the body odours of MHC-similar men, but sperm from MHC-dissimilar men exhibited higher motility when exposed to female follicular fluid.
A meta-analysis of 21 studies involving over 178,000 women found that those with infertility history have a 14% increased risk of heart or blood vessel conditions, as well as higher risks of heart disease and stroke. Younger women and those undergoing fertility treatments are at greater risk.
A fully automated ICSI system has successfully conceived the world's first baby, promising to transform fertility treatment with greater standardization and consistency. The system, developed by Conceivable Life Sciences, uses AI to position sperm cells and execute microinjection with unprecedented accuracy.
A study from Michigan Medicine researchers reveals that X-carrying and Y-carrying sperm compete for binding to Spindlins, influencing gene expression and the sex ratio. The findings suggest that this competition is crucial for maintaining the optimal balance of female and male offspring in mice.
The reuse of human urine could significantly reduce the global demand for fertilizers in agriculture, lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers have developed a system to recover nitrogen from urine, which can be used as fertilizer for urban agriculture.
Research led by University of Arizona researchers found that PTSD and anxiety are associated with lower levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, a marker of ovarian reserve, among women firefighters. The study suggests that mental health conditions can have a negative impact on reproductive health.
A new Australian study found that IVF pregnancies had the highest exposure to teratogenic medicines during the first trimester, compared to naturally conceived pregnancies. The risk was linked to medications used as additional treatment following ART to prevent repeat miscarriages or failed implantation.
A new study suggests that boosting T-regulatory cells may improve the chance of healthy pregnancy and reduce miscarriage risk. Researchers found that treatment with interleukin-2 and antibodies targeting these cells improved pregnancy outcomes in mice, reducing miscarriage rates from 30% to 11%.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have mapped how microRNAs control cell development in the human embryo during the first days after fertilization. The atlas identifies crucial sncRNAs that guide embryonic growth and differentiation, shedding light on how to identify healthy embryos for improved fertility treatment.
Researchers found that stored human urine had little impact on soil bacterial communities, increasing nitrifying and denitrifying groups compared to synthetic fertilizers. The study suggests that recycled urine could enhance agricultural sustainability, reduce wastewater pollution, and decrease reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
A study by Radboud University Medical Center found that IVF success rates are the same whether embryos are transferred on day three or five after fertilization. This allows couples to make a personal decision about the timing of embryo transfer with their doctor.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics found multiple specialized types of DNA replication in early-stage embryos, including a period of instability prone to chromosomal copying errors. This discovery could lead to improved methods of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and better strategies for minimizing chromosomal abnormalities.
A new study has found that gestational carriers experience a severe maternal morbidity rate of 7.1%, significantly higher than unassisted conceptions (2.4%) and IVF conceptions (4.6%). Gestational carriers are also at risk for postpartum haemorrhages and hypertensive disorders, which can be serious complications during pregnancy.
Researchers at Dartmouth College found that fruit fly oocytes can renew chromosome-linking proteins, potentially helping older women reduce pregnancy complications. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for enhancing protein rejuvenation in human eggs.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have found the atomic architecture of the egg coat that permanently blocks polyspermy, a pathologic condition leading to embryo development failure. This discovery reveals genetic mutations causing infertility and holds promise for developing non-hormonal contraceptives.
Researchers at ETH Zurich successfully simulated the protein complex JUNO-IZUMO1, which initiates fertilization. The simulations revealed a network of short-lived contacts between the proteins and showed how zinc ions destabilize the complex, preventing further sperm penetration.
A new study emphasizes the importance of strict legal rules governing fertility treatment in the UK, warning that recent court cases could create a common law exception to informed consent. The research highlights the need for rigorous consent regimes to protect vulnerable patients from exploitation and misuse of genetic material.
Scientists at University of California San Diego have developed a noninvasive approach to detect exRNA molecules in leftover culture media, which can help predict embryo quality and IVF success. By analyzing these molecules, the researchers were able to replicate morphological measurements used in current embryo tests.
Researchers found that about one in a hundred infertile men with normal semen parameters have a loss of CatSper function, leading to failure of fertilization and medically assisted reproduction. The discovery enables evidence-based treatment and diagnosis of this channelopathy.
Researchers redesigned IVF needles to reduce fluid flow damage to eggs, improving oocyte collection and IVF success rates. The study uses computer models and mathematical simulations to optimize the design, which has been successfully tested in cattle, with plans for human trials.
Researchers created an immunodeficient mouse model of physiological ovarian aging, mirroring female fertility decline with age. The study found decreased oocyte quality, impaired follicle activation and growth, and increased mitochondrial dysfunctions in Old mice.
Researchers found that sperm flagellar waveforms are primarily influenced by viscosity rather than shear rate, promoting energy-efficient beating behavior. Sperm adjust their power generation to respond to fluid dynamics, enabling efficient swimming against the flow in high-viscosity media.
A new study by Yale sociologist Rene Almeling found that despite the shift in social and scientific views on gender, sex, and sexuality, a common metaphor of active sperm penetrating a passive egg remains widely used. However, another more egalitarian metaphor describing sperm and egg as two halves of a whole is also circulating.
Scientists analyzed nearly 1,000 IVF embryos to understand why some fail to develop, finding that genetic errors in cell division are more common than thought. The study reveals potential ways to improve IVF outcomes by changing the fertility treatment process and understanding the earliest stages of pregnancy.
A novel mitochondrial enzyme was identified as key to reproductive aging, increasing oocyte clustering with age and affecting fertility
Researchers developed a noninvasive diagnostic test to identify intact sperm in infertile men with nonobstructive azoospermia. The test uses protein biomarkers AKAP4 and ASPX to visualize well-developed sperm, potentially increasing success rates for surgical sperm extraction. This breakthrough may lead to new male birth control drugs ...
Scientists have developed a new microfluidic sperm selection device to improve IVF success rates. The device replicates the natural sperm selection process, resulting in an 85% improvement in DNA integrity and a 90% reduction in sperm cell death.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have discovered a way to deactivate mosquito sperm, preventing them from swimming to or fertilizing eggs. This breakthrough could help control populations of Culex mosquitoes that transmit infectious diseases like encephalitis and West Nile Virus.
The giant faba bean genome has been successfully sequenced, offering insights into its traits such as drought tolerance and protein content. This breakthrough has the potential to improve crop yields and reduce reliance on artificial fertilizers, making faba bean a more attractive crop for sustainable agriculture.
Researchers from Osaka University have identified a protein called FER1L5 that is crucial for the acrosome reaction, allowing sperm to fertilize eggs. The study found that mice lacking FER1L5 were unable to undergo the acrosome reaction, highlighting the importance of this protein in male fertility.
Researchers discovered poly(A)-tail-mediated remodeling of maternal mRNA during the oocyte-to-embryo transition, involving partial degradation and re-polyadenylation. This process is essential for human embryo development, as blocked re-polyadenylation leads to failed first embryo cleavage.
A recent study found that less than four in 100 men who applied to be sperm donors completed the process, with over half withdrawing before samples were released. The research, published in Human Reproduction, also showed that nearly a fifth of applicants were rejected due to health issues or genetic diseases.
A WVU engineer has developed a technology that can treat urine on site rather than at a centralized wastewater treatment facility, allowing for the recovery of nitrogen as a valuable fertilizer. The approach enables quick treatment and promotes the reduction of nutrient discharge into lakes and rivers.
Researchers have developed a model of how human embryos are formed, revealing that genes are switched on almost immediately after fertilization. This discovery may also shed light on the origins of cancer, which is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
A research team discovered that human eggs are missing the protein KIFC1, which acts as a molecular motor to stabilize spindle poles during cell division. This finding opens up new avenues for therapeutic approaches to reduce chromosome segregation errors in human eggs.